Celebrity
The Truth About Carl Ellan Kelley, Aretha Franklin’s Private Sister
Published
1 day agoon
By
Alexander
Did you know that Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, had a secret half-sister who lived a quiet and private life? Her name was Carl Ellan Kelley, and her story is both touching and full of surprises. While Aretha became a global icon, Carl’s life stayed hidden from the spotlight. But her journey is just as interesting and worth sharing.
In this article, we will explore everything about Carl Ellan Kelley — her early life, the mystery around her birth, her relationship with Aretha Franklin, and how she found her place in a family full of music legends. Let’s dive into the life story of this remarkable woman.
Who Was Carl Ellan Kelley?
Carl Ellan Kelley was the half-sister of Aretha Franklin. While Aretha was loved by millions for her voice, Carl lived quietly, far from fame. She was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings.
Unlike her famous sister, Carl did not grow up in the same household as Aretha. In fact, many people did not even know about her until much later. But her connection to the Franklin family is a key part of her life story. She is remembered today not just as Aretha Franklin’s sister, but as a woman of strength who faced a difficult start in life.
Early Life and Childhood
Carl’s early life was not easy. Her mother, Mildred Jennings, was only 12 years old when she gave birth to Carl. This shocking fact made her childhood complicated. Because of this, Carl was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, in Memphis.
While other children played freely, Carl grew up with questions about her parents. She knew about her father, C. L. Franklin, but she did not have a close relationship with him during her early years. This gap in her childhood left her wanting to know more about her roots and her place in the world.
The Scandal Around Her Birth
Carl’s birth caused whispers and gossip in her community. Reverend C. L. Franklin, her father, was a respected preacher and civil rights leader. But the truth about Carl’s birth — that he had a child with a 12-year-old girl — was something he kept secret.
For many years, he did not talk about Carl or acknowledge her publicly. This secrecy was painful for Carl, but it also gave her a reason to one day reach out to her father and find her place in the Franklin family.
Finding Her Father
When Carl was about 18 years old, she decided it was time to know her father. She wrote him a letter, asking for a chance to meet and connect. At first, Reverend Franklin did not reply directly. Instead, he spoke with a church minister, A. R. Williams, who encouraged him to acknowledge his daughter.
This moment was a turning point in Carl’s life. She finally got to meet her father, and although the beginning was awkward, it was the start of a new chapter. Carl’s courage to reach out showed just how much she wanted to be part of her family.
Meeting the Franklin Family
After reconnecting with her father, Carl visited Detroit to meet her siblings, including Aretha Franklin. Imagine meeting a world-famous singer and realizing she is your sister! That was Carl’s reality.
While the news of her existence surprised the family, they eventually welcomed her. Rachel Franklin, known as “Big Mama,” embraced Carl with warmth and kindness. This acceptance gave Carl a sense of belonging that she had long been missing.
Her Connection with Aretha Franklin
Carl’s bond with Aretha Franklin grew over time. Even though Carl stayed away from the music industry, she shared a family connection with Aretha. Their relationship was private, but Aretha cared for Carl in her own way.
In fact, Aretha’s will, drafted in 2014, included $50,000 for Carl Ellan Kelley, showing that Aretha valued their bond. This gesture spoke volumes about their connection as sisters, even if their lives were very different.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Personal Life
Unlike her famous half-siblings, Carl chose a simple and private life. She did not seek fame or attention. Instead, she focused on her career and family. For many years, Carl worked as a nurse, dedicating her time to caring for others.
Her life proves that even when born into a family of stars, one can find purpose in a quiet and meaningful way. Carl’s choice to stay out of the spotlight makes her story even more unique and inspiring.
Children and Family
Carl Ellan Kelley was a proud mother. She had two sons, Herman E. Wheatley III and Charles G. Smith. She also had a daughter, Vivian Smith, who sadly passed away before her. By the time Carl passed, she had several grandchildren and even great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.
Family meant everything to Carl. While she didn’t live in the spotlight like Aretha Franklin, she found joy and meaning in being close to her children and grandchildren. Her family was her strength and her reason to keep moving forward despite the tough times in her early life.
Life Challenges and Resilience
Carl Ellan Kelley’s life was not an easy one. Growing up without her parents’ presence and being surrounded by family secrets was painful. She had to carry the weight of being known as the “hidden daughter” of a famous preacher.
Yet, Carl was strong. She never let the past define her. Instead, she built a simple and honest life for herself. Her story is one of resilience, showing that even when life starts with challenges, it is possible to live with dignity and peace.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Death
Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, at her home in Detroit. She was 78 years old. The cause of her death was reported as a heart attack, following years of heart-related health issues.
She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. This is the same cemetery where other Franklin family members, including her father Rev. C. L. Franklin and her famous sister Aretha, are buried. Her passing was deeply felt by her family and those who knew her well.
Remembering Her Legacy
Carl Ellan Kelley’s life might not have made headlines, but it left a quiet and lasting mark. She showed courage by reaching out to her father despite the painful truth of her birth. She built her own path, choosing a career as a nurse and dedicating her time to helping others.
Her half-sister Aretha Franklin recognized her importance. By leaving Carl $50,000 in her will, Aretha made sure her sister’s memory would be honored. It was a simple but powerful way to show that family matters, no matter how complicated the past might be.
Final Thoughts
Carl Ellan Kelley’s story is both inspiring and emotional. From being born into secrecy to finding her place in a famous family, she lived with quiet strength and grace. She reminds us that even when life is difficult, we can still create meaning and love around us.
As we look back on her journey, it is clear that Carl Ellan Kelley deserves to be remembered, not just as Aretha Franklin’s private sister, but as a woman who overcame challenges and lived a life filled with purpose.
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